When you find out you’re pregnant, you may go through an emotional rollercoaster, besides your natural reaction, part of that might be caused by the changes in your hormone levels. Therefore, it is normal to go through a million thoughts and emotions that make it hard to think clearly. That is why we prepared this quick guide that will help you with all the essential steps you need to take once you find out you’re pregnant.
Find a Trusted Healthcare Professional
If you already know about a doctor or a midwife you trust, reach out to them as early as you can. If not, try to get recommendations from friends and family. During the pregnancy, you will be expected to see your OB or midwife once a month until week 28, and then twice a month until week 36. After week 36 and until the birth, you will do it every week. Of course, in case of complications or any certain conditions experienced during pregnancy, you may need additional appointments. All in all, make sure you find a specialist you feel comfortable with. Not only that you will be spending a lot of time with them, but they will also be the ones to deliver your baby.
Seek Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is essential for a healthy pregnancy, so you should start getting it as soon as possible. A healthcare professional will be able to calculate your due date and also share lots of useful information for the period that is ahead. The first appointment will probably involve an early ultrasound that is supposed to confirm the pregnancy or some basic bloodwork. Also, together you will go over your medical history so everything can be set to a proper start. Feel free to ask as many questions as you can, and definitely tell the doctor if you’re experiencing any pain, bleeding, or cramping.
Share the News with Someone Close
In case you’ve been trying to get pregnant, you probably can’t wait to share the happiness with your loved ones. On the other hand, if it happens unexpectedly, it would be useful to have at least one person who can help you go through it. Of course, there are no rules, and only you get to decide when and if you actually want to reveal the big news. Just keep in mind that talking to someone close is an excellent way to work through your emotions, whether you are feeling happy, excited, upset, sad, or scared. Having a strong support group is significant for your mental well-being during pregnancy.
Embrace a Balanced Diet
Proper diet is equally important for you and the baby, as it also needs to get the right amount of nutrients to develop and grow. That is why you should do your best to eat balanced meals that contain lots of vitamins and minerals, protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and fibre. In other words, go for cooked lean meats, quality dairy products, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes. As for the foods you should avoid, try to stay away from high mercury fish, undercooked or raw fish, meat, and eggs, unwashed fruits and vegetables, unpasteurised milk and cheese, and of course, highly processed items full of additives and sugar. Needless to say, you should not consume alcohol during pregnancy.
Know Your Options
If do not feel ready to become a parent, or you don’t want to be one at all, you should be aware of your options which include adoption and abortion. Also, if you feel alone in the process, try to have a conversation with someone who understands you. If there is no such person in your surroundings, you can always turn to a therapist who can help you analyze the situation. However, do not forget that the final decision is only yours and no one should pressure you to either continue or terminate the pregnancy.
Learning that you are about to welcome a new baby into this world can be both exciting and frightening, depending on your plans and expectations. But no matter how you feel about the situation, following the steps listed above will help you go through it in a healthy and orderly way, with a focus on both your physical and emotional health.
